Meehan Educational Foundation

In June 2016, as the first year of his presidency came to an end, UMass President Marty Meehan announced that he would close his congressional campaign account and donate the $4.2 million balance to an educational foundation, making a $1 million scholarship donation to his alma mater, UMass Lowell.

For the former congressman, the move was a reflection of his “priorities and passions,” a symbol of his commitment to the University of Massachusetts and its aim to provide a world-class education at an affordable cost.

“This is about supporting and honoring the UMass mission of education, research and public service and the life-changing mission of public higher education,” he noted. Over time, the funds will be donated to educational programs across the five campuses that “provide high-quality, transformative opportunities.”

President Meehan named the foundation for his parents, Martin and Alice Meehan, who stressed the importance of learning and guided five of their children into careers in education.

In addition to being a graduate of UMass Lowell, Meehan served as Chancellor of the campus from 2007-2015.